The gifts have been opened, stockings unstuffed... it's just about time to take down the Christmas tree.
Whether you take your tree down the day after Christmas or you keep it up into January, here's what to do with your Christmas tree.
City of Alexandria
In the City of Alexandria, trees are turned into mulch for residents to use in the spring.
According to the City of Alexandria:
"Christmas trees can be recycled curbside by residents who receive trash collection services from the City.
Trees should be set at your regular yard waste collection point, on your trash collection day. Trees collected during this time will be ground into mulch and available to residents in the spring."
To prepare trees for collection, residents are reminded to:
- Remove all ornaments, tinsel and stands (including cranberries, popcorn and lights).
- Do not place your tree in a plastic bag. If you used a mess-free disposal bag, remove the bag once you get the three outside your home.
In the spring, trees are chipped into mulch, which residents can collect or request for delivery (a fee may apply). Learn more about the City’s spring mulch program here.
Trees collection will continue throughout January.
If you live in an apartment or community that does not receive City of Alexandria trash services, check with your leasing agent or home owners' association for instructions.
Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, licensed trash collectors are required to collect and recycle Christmas trees of less than 8 feet.
If you live in a townhome community or single family home, set your tree out at the curb with the regular trash from Jan. 11 - 22.
The trees should be free of all ornaments and tinsel, and should not be put in a plastic bag or tied up.
If you live in a condo or high-rise apartment building, check with your building's management or HOA for information on proper tree disposal.
If your tree is larger than 8 feet tall, or for more information on tree recycling and yard waste management in Fairfax County, call 703-324-5230 or go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash/yard-waste.
